Coming back from summer break, you never know what you’re going to find that has changed. In Shunyi, it seems summertime was the opportunity for upgrades to some local businesses, as well as a few additions in our neighborhood.
Starbucks and Hungry Horse are two establishments undergoing renovations at the moment. Rumor had it that Starbucks was going to be closed only until mid-August, but it’s hard to believe that after peeking in the doors and seeing a completely demolished area. I didn’t realize it was in that much need of renovation; I just want my coffee. Hungry Horse is a bit more of a mystery. Nobody seems to know when it will reopen, or why it decided on a makeover as well.
Lohao organic grocery story appeared to have closed for a while, but it’s still around. Apparently, they were simply reorganizing their shelving units and stock. They are open and back in business.
There is a new mobile flower market just outside of Kids Plus, with many beautiful blooms available for purchase. It’s actually nice to see such a bright, cheerful stand in the midst of block buildings and parking lots. There’s also a new beer and BBQ stand in the back of the Pinnacle Plaza area (in the open area seating, by Haru), although it’s currently a mystery. On the weekend we discovered it, it appeared to be a promising place to hang out on nice summer/fall evenings. But at the time of taking a photograph, it was pretty well cleared out. A summer-only business? Time will tell.
Another upcoming addition in that back Pinnacle area is an expansion of the BJU clinic services. Info on that is coming soon!
Jenny Wang is trying to improve the efficiency of its space, and as of Sunday afternoon, new check-out lines were introduced. I can see their intended efforts, but the execution is something else. Four cramped cashier stations don’t offer enough space for multiple shopping carts, and training patrons not to enter that new “exit” door will take some time. Trial and error I’m sure; the idea is a good one, but adjustments will have to be made during the first weekend rush.
The parking lot at the Exposition subway station is now open! They’ve been working on the road since before summer, and now it is open with a large parking lot for cars. No excuses now not to hop on the subway for a day in the city.
I’ve yet to check out changes in Euro Plaza or drive much beyond the Pinnacle Plaza area; however, I don’t doubt that there will be many more discoveries in the weeks to come. It’s already nice to see the many new families moving in, with everyone happy to start fresh in our Shunyi neighborhood.
Welcome back!